Check Engine Light Come on Your Car? Here’s How to Handle It

The solution to this warning light may be simpler than you think.

It happens to the best of us. We’re driving along and everything is fine and dandy. Then you see it… The orange-red glow of the Check Engine light. Suddenly, your heart sinks and you wonder how much repairs are going to cost you.

Before panic sets in and you stop your car in the middle of the road to check plugs, here’s what you need to do if your car’s check engine light comes on.

It could just be your gas cap.

A loose, cracked, or faulty gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate, therefore prompting your check engine indicator to light up. Pull over when you can, safely, and make sure that your gas cap is on tight.

Your spark plugs or plug wires need to be replaced.

Your spark plugs ignite the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.

Typically, it’s not an emergency.

Unlike other lights in your car (oil light, tire pressure), your check engine light doesn’t necessarily mean a big problem if you don’t address it right away. When it comes on, you can probably get away with driving a few miles up to a few days. With that said, the wise thing to do is to see a mechanic as soon as possible.

A certified mechanic can diagnose the issue.

Technology is on its way to helping us figure out what’s wrong when the check engine light comes on. A certified mechanic will hook your car up to a computer to accurately diagnose the problem.

When you see that light flickering in the corner of your dash, you’ll now know that you need to schedule a visit to your mechanic in the near (or immediate) future. In order to stay safe on the roads, secure reliable auto insurance from the professionals at Agers Insurance Services. We serve motorists in Oakley and neighboring cities in California – visit us today to get started.